Lavania Poznoff passed away at Mercy Hospital Downtown on the evening of August 2, 2024.

Lavania, the third child of Jack and Opal Florence, was born at Miss Friese's Maternity Home on May 17, 1934.

Lavania grew up in East Bakersfield along with her brother John and sister Betty Ann attending Longfellow Elementary, Washington Junior High, and East Bakersfield High School.

She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1951. After her family moved to the west side of town, she attended Bakersfield College and graduated from UCLA in 1955.

After college, she worked as Assistant Director of the Kern County Museum. On November 10, 1956 she married Robert "Bob" Poznoff.

They resided in Shafter, where Bob farmed and they had two children, Jennifer and Rob. Lavania participated in many school activities and sports that involved her children.

In 1970, Lavania began a teaching career in The Wasco Union Elementary School District, teaching kindergarten and first grade until her retirement after 23 years. She and Bob enjoyed many happy years in Shafter. There were lots of trips with The Flat Tire Group and family vacations at the beach, plus trips to Europe.

Bob passed away in 2004 and Lavania moved back to Bakersfield in 2006.

Her affiliations included her college sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi. She was a member of Club 21 in Shafter for 42 years. Lavania was also a Guild House Volunteer serving as a waitress for many years.

Lavania had the great pleasure of seeing her children grow into fine adults and parents themselves. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Poznoff and son Rob, her brother John, sister Betty Ann, brother-in-law Glen Poznoff, and dearest friend and companion of 10 years Ken Schwocho.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Mullen, daughter-in-law Julie Poznoff, her grandchildren Robert Mullen(Sara), Michelle Mullen, Robbie Poznoff, Jolee Poznoff, great-grandchild Russell Mullen, sister-in-law Melanie Poznoff, and cousins Alan and Jeri Poznoff, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held.